French Frigate Helps Foil Indian Ocean Drug Smugglers

French surveillance frigate Floréal has been on patrol working to combat drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean in its role as part of FAZSOI, the Armed Forces of the Southern Indian Ocean Zone.

As per a recent press statement by the French Navy, towards the end of last year Floréal was working both as part of FAZSOI and alongside other current members of Combined Task Force 150, a multinational naval coalition formed back in 2002.

During this period around ten vessels sailing without a flag in international waters were subjected to on-board checks by Floréal’s crew, whose numbers were bolstered by a detachment of marine commandos.

As a result nearly five tons of narcotics with an estimated street value of in excess of €35m were seized and destroyed.

During its deployment the frigate also operated alongside Seychelles maritime patrol aircraft, and engaged in a joint exercise with a Pakistani frigate, the Zulfiqar, before passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

And between November 17 and December 2 the Floréal took part in a major bilateral exercise, Al-Koot 9, alongside Qatari armed forces, engaging in a series of manoeuvres alongside the Al Zubarah-class corvette Al Khor.

Operating out of the French islands of Mayotte and Reunion, FAZSOI carries out a wide range of missions to protect of the population, the area’s Exclusive Economic Zones, and fight against piracy and illicit trafficking.

It supports sea missions at sea and upholds French military partnerships with countries in southern Africa and the southern Indian Ocean.

• You can read more details on the French Navy website